Autoclave

An autoclave (plural: autoclaves) is a pressure- and temperature-resistant device that is primarily used to sterilize materials and instruments. Typically, saturated steam under positive pressure is used to effectively kill microorganisms (including spores).

Functionality

Generation of overpressure and steam: Water is heated in the autoclave until saturated steam is produced.
High temperatures: Usual sterilization temperatures are 121 °C (approx. 2 bar overpressure) or 134 °C (approx. 3 bar overpressure).
Sufficient exposure time: The combination of temperature and exposure time (e.g. 15-20 minutes) ensures that germs, bacteria, viruses and spores are reliably killed.
Drying: After the sterilization process, the steam is released and the material is usually dried so that it can be used immediately.

Areas of application

Medicine and surgery: Sterilization of surgical instruments, dressing materials or surgical textiles.
Laboratories and research: Sterilization of glassware, culture media or laboratory utensils.
Pharmaceutical and food industry: preservation and sterilization of products, e.g. food cans.

Advantages

High efficiency: Steam under pressure quickly penetrates cavities and pores.
Reliable destruction: Even heat-resistant spores are destroyed if the process is carried out correctly.
Environmentally friendly: Sterilization with steam (without the use of chemical sterilants).

Important notes

Packaging: Materials should be packed in sterilization-suitable packaging (e.g. special bags or containers) before sterilization.
Control parameters: Regular validation and verification (e.g. via bioindicators or thermologgers) are essential to ensure sterilization safety.
Compatibility: Some materials (e.g. heat-sensitive plastics) must not be placed in the autoclave.

An autoclave is therefore an indispensable device in the medical sector and in laboratories to ensure safe and effective sterilization of a wide range of items.